“As the leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. military commissaries around the world, we at SpartanNash are committed to serving our military heroes and their families, both at home and abroad,” said Meredith Gremel, vice president of corporate affairs and communications. “Our commitment is evident throughout the year, but especially on Veterans Day. We are honored to show our appreciation to these men and women.”

Stores that have flag poles will hold flag-raising ceremonies at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, with local veterans’ groups or Boy Scout troops leading the ceremonies. All stores will hold a moment of silence at 11 a.m. and will offer coffee and specially decorated treats throughout the afternoon.

Each of SpartanNash’s 19 distribution centers will also hold flag-raising ceremonies and observe a moment of silence for all those who have lost their lives defending our freedoms.

Companywide, all SpartanNash locations also display posters recognizing and thanking associates who are veterans.

SpartanNash proudly employs nearly 800 veterans and is committed to hiring, training and retaining current and former members of the Armed Forces and their family members. Because of this, SpartanNash was named a bronze-level Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

In honor of those nearly 800 associates who served or continue to serve, the company will make a $5,000 donation to DAV on Veterans Day.

DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them. The nonprofit organization also hosts job fairs and provides free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government.

“On Veterans Day, and throughout the year, we hope our veteran associates and store guests, as well as those still serving, know how grateful we are for their time in uniform,” said Kathy Mahoney, chief legal officer and president of MDV, SpartanNash’s military division. “It is our hope that these tributes show just how thankful SpartanNash is for the sacrifices made on our country’s behalf.”

On Veterans Day 2015, SpartanNash began collecting old, worn, frayed and/or faded American flags at each of its retail grocery stores, distribution centers and service centers. Each location then partners with a local veterans service organization to ensure the proper retirement of the flags. More than 2,000 flags have been retired through the SpartanNash program.

SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) is a Fortune 350 company whose core businesses include distributing grocery products to independent grocery retailers, select national accounts, its corporate-owned retail stores and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. SpartanNash serves customer locations in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain and Egypt. As of today, SpartanNash currently operates 145 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, VG’s Food and Pharmacy, D&W Fresh Market, Sun Mart and Family Fresh Market. Through its MDV military division, SpartanNash is a leading distributor of grocery products to U.S. military commissaries.